Senior Portraits - Do You Work Alone?

[DougMac1]

Things are a lot more uptight than a decade ago when I was doing Seniors. Ron made some excellent points. You can't be too careful now. That goes for young men also.

Personally, I tried to keep touching to a minimum. In the U.S. in general and the South in particular, most folks don't like to be touched. I gently guided them with my finger when I wanted to change head or body position. I also did a lot of modeling for them - striking the pose and then asking them to repeat it. This was a great ice breaker with the girls - they'd get tickled at the bearded photographer striking feminine poses. If I had to straighten a hair or smooth a wrinkle, I'd be very clear about what I was about to do.

I'm with Ron, I normally would not let anyone in the studio. I'd be polite and try to explain it. If they insisted, I'd let them in. Once they saw and understood I was on the up and up, they'd leave me to do my job.

Doug

[Richard_Coyle]

Having retired from the convenience store and fast food business and considering different paths in returning to the photography profession, just wondered if anyone has considered one way glass/mirror? Mom/Dad sees what he/she wants, daughter/son doesn't become distracted, photographer doesn't have to contend with the immediate presence in the room and all would seem satisfied. Other security concerns might be satisfied with a video link to an outside monitor for the concerned parties, and with a rotation process on the tapes, a constant library of sittings confirms the integrity of the professional, as well as providing absolute proof against any claims of improper behavior. Simply the presence of a video link to the outside would probably styme these. The more open the environment, the less likely the appearance of or opportunity for impropriety. Pretty cheap options in today's litigeous society.